The President of South West State of Somalia, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, has commended Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for their outstanding contribution to peace and security in the country.
“Troops from different countries have helped us here in Somalia, but UPDF is an extraordinary force,” President Mohamed said.
He made the remarks while meeting the Battle Group 45 Commander, Col Dr Justus Musenene, at his State Lodge in Barawe District.
Sheikh Adan thanked the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his Pan-African spirit and commitment to the continent, particularly his support for peace and stability in Somalia.
He also paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Somalia while working to restore peace and stability, noting that the Somali people would never forget their sacrifice.
The Lower Shabelle Governor, Abdifatah Said Ahmed, applauded UPDF troops for maintaining cordial relations with civilians, saying their conduct had earned them the trust and support of the local community.
The Somalia National Army (SNA) Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Mohamed Ali Bariise, commended Battle Group 45 for its contribution to peace, security and development initiatives in the Barawe Sub-Sector.
“We are happy with how you are organised, your military tactics, cleanliness, organisation and defence layout. These are lessons for the Somalia National Army,” Maj Gen Bariise said.
Col Dr Musenene thanked the President for sparing time to meet him and share words of wisdom, noting that the engagement would boost troop morale.
He called upon the Somalia National Army to embrace patriotism and love for their country as key principles for sustaining progress and maintaining stability in the region.
Col Musenene also commended the Barawe community for its hospitality and pledged continued UPDF support towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
The meeting was attended by ministers from South West State of Somalia, Barawe district leaders, and officers from the Somalia National Army and UPDF.
